The Program

The University of San Francisco offers a Professional Science Master's degree in Biotechnology in which a combination of biotechnology-related and MBA-level business courses are the focus. Students can start the graduate program each year in the fall (late August) or spring (late January). The program is intended for students who do not wish to pursue a Ph.D but still seek a career in the industry.

"Graduates of professional science
master's programs are in high demand. Many report receiving multiple
job offers, with excellent remuneration, even in these difficult times."— Chronicle of Higher Education, 2011
The curriculum
integrates the fundamentals of molecular biology, technology and business to
build a comprehensive program that fully prepares graduates for jobs in the
industry. The program also includes an internship
requirement that helps students gain a hands-on perspective of the technical
experience and business skills necessary for success in the biotechnology
field.

Students come from many parts of the world as well as from the United States, making the program truly international.

Program of Study

Prerequisites:

The graduate program in Biotechnology is intended for students who do not wish to pursue a Ph.D but still seek a career in the industry. Prospective students should have a Bachelor's degree in Biology or Chemistry. Other applicants from other science majors may also be accepted provided they have completed the following undergraduate courses:

2 semesters general biology

2 semesters general chemistry

1 semester organic chemistry

1 semester genetics

The program of study is planned by the student in collaboration with his or her faculty advisor during the first semester of studies.

Curriculum:

The Professional Science Master's in Biotechnology is a two-year, four-semester Master's program comprised of 36 units. Thirty three units are required core graduate courses (ten courses and the internship) and one course is an elective. Students may take extra elective units in their area of interests in addition to those required.